Dale stormed back to the top of the league following a comprehensive 3-1 victory over fellow pace-setters Mansfield Town today at Spotland.

Dale kept up their unbeaten home record for the season, in fact it is now 15 games since our last home defeat. Goals from Clive Platt, Gary Jones and new-loan signing Paul Wheatcroft gave Dale the three points, and despite Chris Greenacre pulling back a late goal for the visitors, the Dale fans left Spotland feeling happier than ever.

As expected new-signing Richard Jobson went into the team at the expense of the injured Dave Bayliss. Doughty played at left back in the absence of suspended Lee Todd. Up front young Kev Townson was surprisingly absent - rumours of a broken toe, but Paul Wheatcroft made his first start in place of Kev.

The first half saw Mansfield play some very attacking football and may consider themselves unfortunate not to of taken the lead. Liam Lawrence hit a stunning drive against the woodwork from 20 yards, which trickled agonisingly along the line before it thankfully stayed out. In all truth Mansfield were the better team in the first half and Dale weren't really at the show. Somewhat against the run of play though Dale took the lead.

The goal came courtesy of the most hard-working striker in the division Clive Platt. Once again Graham Atkinson provided a superb cross which Platt headed home totally unmarked. The stats don't lie as well, all the games that Platt has scored in we have gone on to win! There was no stopping us now!

The second half saw Dale come out fired up and ready to extend their lead. It looked like it would arrive early in the second half following a huge goal mouth scramble. The ball bounced about, the keeper parried it once, it was stopped on the line twice by defenders before it was then struck against the post. Eventually it was scrambled clear.

The second goal though wasn't long in coming. After somewhat of another goal mouth scramble the ball was laid back to Gary Jones who fired the ball into the net from the edge of the box, before setting off for his celebration in front of the Sandy Lane. Two nil up and Dale were flying. In truth Mansfield were poor in the second half much like Dale had been in the first. But Dale controlled the second half and as soon as the second went in the game was pretty much over.

There was more goals to be seen though. New loan signing Paul Wheatcroft who had only started due to Townson missing the game - apparently with a broken toe. Clive Platt slid a lovely through ball which Wheatcroft ran onto before coolly side-footing the ball past the on-rushing keeper. That signalled the Mansfield fans to quickly empty the ground - to chants of 'bye, bye, bye, bye' from the Dale fans.

Most of the Mansfield fans unfortunately missed their teams goal, which came in injury time. A cross from the right was met by Chris Greenacre who stunningly volleyed home on the turn from 8 yards out. A great goal it has to be said.

Another three points for Dale at 'Fortress Spotland' and again the win was thoroughly deserved. We are back to the top of the league and on merit. Today we took on what looked in the first half anyway to be the best team we have played this season, yet we have still won and comprehensively. Its good to be a Dale fan right now!

Photo: Action Images

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